T.O.P’s Marijuana Case: From TOP to bottom

As we all know, Big Bang member TOP was caught in a frenzy after his hair follicle test for marijuana came out positive. What we all didn’t expect was what followed after. Merely 5 days after he was charged with drug abuse, TOP was found unconscious and in a groggy state at the Seoul Police Department’s 4th Precinct, appearing to have overdosed on a then-unidentified substance.

Thankfully, he has regained consciousness and was transferred to another hospital for further treatment. He has also recently received his sentence after the final trial.

If you are overwhelmed and blown away by the whirlwind of information, here’s the entire situation, summed up for you.

01/06/17 CHARGED WITH MARIJUANA USE

A report by stated that TOP was first suspected of drug abuse after police received a tip in March. He was subsequently brought in for investigations in April and tested positive for marijuana use. He was officially charged for drug abuse of marijuana on the 1st of June.

SUSPENSION FROM POLICE DUTY

The exact date of suspension is not clear as the officials only stated that he was suspended upon notice from prosecutors of his drug abuse charge.

Although his sentence has already been meted out during his final trial early this week, the police agency has yet to come to a conclusion as to whether T.O.P will be serving his balance in his previous post or starting anew in a new one.

06/06/17 FOUND UNCONSCIOUS

On the morning of the 6th of June, TOP was found unconscious in the facility of the Seoul Police Department’s 4th Precinct. He was taken to the Ewha Womans University Hospital’s Emergency Unit.

06/06/17 FIRST UPDATE (TOP IS IN COMATOSE STATE)

Reports came in that his tests for blood and urine came back with nothing abnormal. However, he still remained in an unconscious state, with his mother at his side.

07/06/17 SECOND UPDATE (POLICE OFFICIAL’S STATEMENT)

Yonhap News Agency quoted a statement by a police official and said that T.O.P had no serious problems and he was in fact conscious when brought into the hospital. He also added that T.O.P was not comatose but in a deep sleep as the tranquilisers he took had sleeping pill ingredients.

07/06/17 THIRD UPDATE (TOP IS NOT OKAY)

T.O.P’s mother spoke to a journalists while crying, refuting all previous reports made by the police officials saying that T.O.P is fine. She clarified that T.O.P has been unconscious ever since he was wheeled in and he remained in critical condition. Her statement was supported by other statements made by YG Entertainment representatives as well as close friends of T.O.P. It was also announced that a press conference will be held by T.O.P’s medical team.

07/06/17 DOCTOR’S PRESS CONFERENCE

His doctors proceeded to support the previous statements and said that T.O.P was admitted into the hospital while unconscious. T.O.P had overdosed on benzodiazepines, a type of tranquiliser. He was described to be in a state of “deep sleep”. They also mentioned a possibility of brain damage due to the lack of oxygen but another doctor added that usually patients in this state recover within a week or so without complications.

09/06/17 REGAINED CONSCIOUSNESS & TRANSFER TO ANOTHER HOSPITAL

Korean reports stated that T.O.P had regained consciousness and would be transferring to a hospital that had facilities with an increased level of privacy.

29/06/17 FIRST TRIAL

T.O.P acknowledges to all his charges during the first trial. The prosecution requested for 2 years of probation with the possibility of a 10-month prison sentence in the event that he violates his terms of probation.

20/07/17 FINAL TRIAL

At the final trial, the court has taken into consideration that he is a first-time offender and that he was deeply self-reflecting. Therefore, they sentenced him to 2-year probation and a possible 10-month prison sentence if he violates the terms of probation as well as a 12,000 won fine.

WHAT’S IN FOR TOP NOW

T.O.P will now wait for news about his military placement as his final prison sentence is less than 18-months.

In a more hopeful light, Big Bang’s leader G-Dragon has posted on his personal Instagram account that he will be back with the Big Bang members as five. This is good news for fans who have been waiting eagerly for any updates about the group’s livelihood.

Other K-pop artists who have been charged for drug abuse include rappers Iron and Kidoh (former member of TopDogg). Drug abuse is a serious issue that can afflict people from all walks of life. If you know someone who is struggling with drug abuse, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant organisations for support.

We hope that T.O.P’s journey towards recovery receives lots of love and support and we hope other K-pop artists will not be driven to abuse drugs in future.